Power Cleared to Test Chevy IndyCar Next Week

November 9, 2011

Photo courtesy of Steve Swope

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Nov. 9, 2011) - Team Penske IZOD IndyCar Series driver Will Power has been cleared to test the 2012 Chevrolet IndyCar next week as he continues to recover from injuries suffered in final race of the 2011 season.

Power was diagnosed with two small compression fractures of his thoracic vertebrae following the multi-car accident at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Oct. 16 that claimed the life of driver Dan Wheldon.

After further evaluation, series orthopedic specialist Dr. Terry Trammell has determined that Power is cleared to participate in a previously-scheduled two-day test of the 2012 Chevy IndyCar at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala., on November 14 and 15.

"I'm really looking forward to getting back in the car," said Power. "I actually haven't had any pain in my back in the last couple of weeks and I am excited to continue testing the new Chevy IndyCar."

Power will return to action at a track where he has had his share of success. The driver of the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske car won the IZOD IndyCar Series race from the pole at Barber Motorsports Park back in April after finishing fourth in the inaugural race at the venue in 2010.

Team Penske is one of the most successful teams in the history of professional sports. Competing in a variety of disciplines, cars owned and prepared by Penske Racing have produced more than 400 major race wins, over 450 pole positions and 27 National Championships. The team has also earned 16 Indianapolis 500 victories in its storied history. Team Penske was also recently recognized by the Sports Business Journal as a finalist for the publication's prestigious annual Professional Sports Team of the Year award.